Finite element analysis of carbon fiber composite adaptive mirrors

Sarah Kendrew; Peter Doel

doi:10.1117/12.552579

25 October 2004 Finite element analysis of carbon fiber composite adaptive mirrors

Sarah Kendrew, Peter Doel

Proceedings Volume 5490, Advancements in Adaptive Optics; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.552579
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2004, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

With the advent of the new generation of ground-based telescopes with primary sizes of 30-100 m, adaptive optics (AO) technology is in rapid development. One important area of research is that of integration of AO into the telescope's operation. A possible solution for this is the use of an adaptive secondary mirror. However, for a secondary of several meters in size, this presents many problems in choice of material, as well as design for the adaptive control. An active mirror prototype made out of a carbon fibre composite material (CFC) is under development at University College London in collaboration with QinetiQ and Cobham Composites. We present here results from finite element analysis of this mirror, as well as modelling results of an adaptive secondary mirror section as might be developed for the new class of telescopes. These results indicate that CFC could indeed present a viable alternative to more traditional deformable mirror materials.

Citation Download Citation

Sarah Kendrew and Peter Doel "Finite element analysis of carbon fiber composite adaptive mirrors", Proc. SPIE 5490, Advancements in Adaptive Optics, (25 October 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.552579

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